Wade overcomes injury to boost Heat over Blazers

Miami, FL (Sports Network) – Despite suffering a bruised left shoulder early
in the third quarter, Dwyane Wade poured in 35 points, including 16 in the
final period to lead Miami over Portland, 104-85, at American Airlines Arena.

Wade, who finished 14-of-23 from the field with five assists, was injured when
he collided with Portland’s Joel Przybilla while driving to the net. The NBA’s
fourth-leading scorer then fell on top of Przybilla and began writhing in
pain.

Wade was taken to the locker room and was diagnosed with a bruised left
shoulder, but did return to the court minutes later and finished the game.

Less than one hour before tip-off, Miami Heat head coach Pat Riley announced
he will return from his leave of absence after the All-Star break. His first
game back will be February 21 when the Heat travel to Houston.

Assistant Ron Rothstein took over on the bench and Miami has been 13-9 since.
The Heat were just 13-17 under Riley’s leadership.

Udonis Haslem netted 12 points, while Jason Kapono and James Posey each
contributed 11 for the Heat, who have won seven of their last eight games to
finish an even .500 (26-26) entering the All-Star Break.

Miami shot a sizzling 56 percent from the floor.

Zach Randolph scored 17 points, Jarrett Jack had 16 and Brandon Roy added 15
for the Trail Blazers, who have dropped four of six. Ime Udoka donated 14
points and pulled down seven rebounds in defeat.

In the third the quarter, Jack’s running jumper put Portland up by one,
but the Heat went on an 8-0 spurt, ended on Haslem’s jump shot for a 71-64
edge with just under a minute to play.